The Cypraea annulus, commonly known as the Gold Ring Cowrie, is a prized addition to saltwater clean-up crews due to its striking appearance and voracious appetite for nuisance algae. Characterized by a smooth, cream-colored shell with a distinct yellow or orange ring on its dorsal side, these snails typically grow to about 1 inch.

Care Guidelines
Diet: They are primary herbivores. While they scavenge for detritus, their main role is consuming film algae and hair algae from rocks and glass.

Water Parameters: Maintain standard reef conditions:

Salinity: 1.023–1.025 SG

Temperature: 72–78°F

Alkalinity: 8–12 dKH (Essential for shell health)

Environment: Provide plenty of live rock for grazing and hiding. They are nocturnal, so they require crevices to retreat into during the day.

Compatibility: They are reef-safe and peaceful. However, avoid keeping them with aggressive predators like puffers or large crustaceans that might crush their shells.

Caution: Like most invertebrates, they are highly sensitive to copper-based medications and sudden shifts in water chemistry. Always use a slow drip-acclimation process when introducing them to your tank.